The Need:
Every child deserves a safe place to play, grow and learn. Yet, in communities where crime rates are highest and the need is greatest, our children are consistently denied access to mentors or coaches who care about their well-being and success. Few are offered opportunities to participate in instructional or competitive after school programs or simply lack a safe place to play. Furthermore, many urban ball fields have experienced decades of abuse and neglect. Fields have become overrun with trash and frequently used as a market place for drug dealers, prostitution and other forms of criminal and delinquent activity. When a park or playing field is available, it is a dangerous and often deadly place for far too many of our children.

The Solution:
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF) has begun partnering with communities across America to develop CRSF Youth Development Parks. These unique multi-purpose, low maintenance turf facilities are designed to provide a cohesive recreational and educational experience for children, particularly in at-risk communities. Each project is in partnership with a local youth serving organization and after fundraising and construction, will be gifted by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to the partner. The CRSF will continue to run their character education programming at the site.

Current Project Locations:
The CRSF is currently in the planning and development stage of Youth Development Park projects in the following locations:

Baltimore, MD:
5-field project in 5 Baltimore communities with various local partners including the Y of Central Maryland and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Baltimore

Fredericksburg, VA:
3 field project in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg

East Wenatchee, WA:
4 field project in partnership with the City of East Wenatchee

Collier County, FL:
1-field project with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collier County

Richmond, VA:
1-field project in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond